Influence of the intrinsic characteristics of mortars on biofouling by Klebsormidium flaccidum

Thu Hien Tran (1, 2, 3, 4) , Alexandre Govin (1, 3, 5) , René Guyonnet (1, 3, 5) , Philippe Grosseau (1, 3, 5) , Christine Lors (4, 6, 7) , Eric Garcia-Diaz (8) , Denis Damidot (4) , Olivier Devès (9) , Bertrand Ruot (9)

1 SPIN-ENSMSE - Centre Sciences des Processus Industriels et Naturels
2 P2MC-ENSMSE - Département Poudres et Matériaux Multi-Composants
3 LPMG-EMSE - Laboratoire des Procédés en Milieux Granulaires
4 CERI MP - IMT Nord Europe - Centre for Materials and Processes
5 PROPICE-ENSMSE - Département PROcédés Poudres, Interfaces, Cristallisation et Ecoulements
6 CNRSSP - Centre National de Recherche sur les Sites et Sols Pollués
7 Université Lille Nord de France (COMUE)
8 CMGD - Centre des Matériaux de Grande Diffusion
9 CSTB - Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment

The goal of this study was to elucidate the influence of the intrinsic properties of roughness, porosity, and surface pH on the susceptibility of mortars to biodegradation by phototrophic microorganisms. An accelerated fouling test was performed allowing a periodic sprinkling of an algae suspension on sample surfaces. The green alga Klebsormidium flaccidum was chosen due to its representativeness and facility in culturing. The biofouling of sample surfaces was evaluated by means of image analysis and color measurement. Two porosities, three roughnesses, and two surface pHs were examined. The colonization by algae of sample surfaces was not influenced by porosity because of the specific conditions of testing that led to a constant high level of moistening of mortar samples. The roughness, in contrast, played an important role in biological colonization. A rougher surface facilitates the attachment of algal cells and so favors the extension of algae. The surface pH was the most important parameter. A lower surface pH accelerated considerably the development of algae on the samples surface.-

Mots clés: Porosity; Roughness; Surface pH; Biofouling; Algae; Mortar

Domaines: Génie des procédés

Thu Hien Tran, Alexandre Govin, René Guyonnet, Philippe Grosseau, Christine Lors, et al.. Influence of the intrinsic characteristics of mortars on biofouling by Klebsormidium flaccidum. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation, 2012, 70, pp.31-39. ⟨10.1016/j.ibiod.2011.10.017⟩. ⟨hal-00680295⟩